KUCHING: Successful waste management and recycling efforts require close cooperation between the government, private sector, and local communities.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said although the government continuously strives to do its best, long-term solutions require the involvement of all parties playing their respective roles.
“This is very important because such initiatives must start from the community itself.
“This proves that waste management is not solely the responsibility of the government,” he said.
He said this at the Desa Wira Recycling Centre launching ceremony held at the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Nursery Site here today.
The centre is a community-driven initiative carried out in collaboration with Tzu Chi Foundation Kuching
As such, he praised the contributions of Tzu Chi Foundation Kuching, which is not only active in recycling efforts but is also often among the first to provide aid during disasters such as floods and fires.
Additionally, he revealed that MPP spends around RM10 million out of its RM16 million annual budget solely on waste management, clearly reflecting the heavy financial burden associated with this issue.
“What’s both funny and ironic about waste management is that we spend money to buy items, then spend more to throw them away, and even more to dispose of them,” he said.
He added that since the recycling centre began operations on March 24, more than three tonnes of recyclable materials, including used clothing, had been collected within just two months.
“If Tzu Chi Foundation hadn’t stepped in to help, we would have had to pay others to dispose of the three tonnes of waste.
“Now, it’s being reused and benefiting others instead,” he added.
